About Bridges

WHO

We are a nonprofit agency dedicated to helping victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Bridges: Domestic & Sexual Violence Support is a non-sectarian agency, and all services are offered regardless of race, gender, gender orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, HIV status, marital status, age, national origin, immigration status, religion, physical, mental or emotional ability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or language.

WHAT

Domestic and sexual violence affects everyone in our communities. Right now it may be happening to a family member, friend, coworker, neighbor, or parishioner. It does not discriminate based on your age, gender, race, or financial status. It may be happening to you.

WHERE

Spanning Southern New Hampshire, we strive to make our communities a safe place to live and work. We create bridges to learning in local schools and workplaces, and bridges to healing with support groups and our confidential support line. We create bridges when we assist individuals in rebuilding their lives through our emergency shelter and community resources. You become a part of these bridges by supporting our agency and facilitating conversations with family, friends, colleagues, and peers about domestic and sexual violence.

WHY

To cultivate communities free from violence as we support victims and survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking.

HOW

Bridges offers support and options to individuals who need to talk, need information, or feel alone, afraid, or hopeless.

VALUES & COMMITMENTS

Trust and Integrity: We model individual and organizational integrity and honesty. We are open, non-defensive and accountable. We have faith in the resilience and good judgment of the people we serve.

Respect and Empowerment: We help and encourage the people we serve to build on their strengths through our nonjudgmental support and our educational, advocacy, and outreach efforts. We respect them, knowing it is they who must make responsible decisions about their own lives.

Nonviolence: We do all in our power to enhance the level of safety that can be threatened by domestic and sexual violence.

Empathy and Service: In all of our programs and services we are focused on the people we serve, committed to providing compassionate care and understanding to all with a high degree of skill, expertise and knowledge.

Ethical Communication: We are committed to treating one another with respect and to fostering a positive and safe work environment where every voice is valued. This model entails honest, direct, and kind communication among ourselves, with the people we serve, and our community partners.

VICTIM/SURVIVOR RIGHTS

Bridges: Domestic & Sexual Violence Support (formerly Rape & Assault Support Services, Inc.) is a non-sectarian agency, and all services are offered regardless of race, gender, gender orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, HIV status, marital status, age, national origin, socio-economic status, immigration status, religion, physical, mental or emotional ability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or language.

  • You have the right to respectful treatment.
  • You have the right to know and understand all rules of the organization by which you must abide.
  • You have the right to make your own decisions within the rules and policies of the organization.
  • You have the right to have complaints concerning programs and services heard. The first step is to take the complaint to the appropriate department manager. If no resolution is reached, you have the right to address the complaint to the Executive Director. Staff can be reached at 603-889-0858.
  • You have the right to make suggestions and provide input on all programs and services, to have the input heard, and to receive feedback on it.
  • You have the right to have your individual information and/or records kept confidential according to NH RSA 173-C.
  • You have the right to access your individual records.
  • If you are over the age of 15, you have privileged communication with domestic and sexual assault advocates working with our organization. You may request a copy of RSA 173-C: 1 outlining the confidentiality law.

 

Non-discrimination Policy

Bridges: Domestic & Sexual Violence Support (formerly Rape & Assault Support Services, Inc.) is a non-sectarian agency, and all services are offered regardless of race, gender, gender orientation, gender identity, gender expression, socio-economic status, medical condition, HIV status, marital status, age, national origin, immigration status, religion, physical, mental or emotional ability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or language.

If you feel that Bridges has discriminated against you, then you have the option to file a complaint with the Executive Director of Bridges at P.O. Box 217, Nashua, New Hampshire 03061-0217.

For more information, please call (603) 889-0858.